JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Nov. 4, 2009) - The ETSU men's and women's basketball teams will be the featured attractions and Johnson City residents will also get a preview of the upcoming Homecoming week during Downtown Johnson City's First Friday event this Friday, Nov. 6th beginning at 6 p.m.

Plans include a pep rally with the Bucs and Lady Bucs at 6:30 p.m., as well as appearances by the ETSU cheerleaders, pep band, and the team mascot, Bucky. In addition, the nominees for ETSU's Homecoming King and Queen will be on hand, while a concert in the park by the ETSU Bluegrass Band will follow from 7:30 to 8:30. Live and silent auctions of items produced by the university's Advertising and Media Arts Department will take place at The Charles with the silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. And much more is planned.

The event is free and open to the public. For a complete list of activities, see below:

·ADSMARTS Creativity Auction at the Charles - 6:00pm Silent Auction, Live Auction preview and refreshments at 7:00 (Proceeds benefit endowed scholarships for ETSU students in Advertising and Media Arts)

·6:15pm ETSU mascot Bucky & Friends arrive downtown to mix and mingle

·Voice of the Bucs, Jay Sandos,the Pep Band and Cheerleaders kick off festivities at 6:30pm on East Main Street near Majestic Park

·Meet the Lady Bucs, the Bucs, Coach Kemp, Coach Bartow and get their autographs

·Meet the nominees for Homecoming, King, Queen and Court

·ETSU Bluegrass band performs live in Majestic Park gazebo from 730-8:30pm

·Scale the ROTC Rock Climbing Wall (age restrictions and waivers required), play the Basketball Toss and Football Toss on Spring Street

·Stop by Artopia to get your temporary Bucs Tattoo and get a 25% discount on materials with your ETSU ID

·As always, Nelson Fine Art Center will have an artist reception and Brew Plum features fine coffee and sweet treats

·The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists will have their Holiday Show & Sale at the Johnson City Area Arts Council in the King's Centre; the works of more than 20 artists will be exhibited and available for purchase